August 3, 2012 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak, www.linear.com ) announced the release of the High Voltage Controller and Power Manager (Product Name: LTC4000-1), which features input MPPC (Maximum Power Point Control) capabilities to convert any externally compensated DC/DC power supply into a fully functional battery charger. The LTC4000-1 is capable of driving common DC/DC converter topologies, including buck, boost, buck-boost, SEPIC, flyback, and forward. This device provides regulation, as well as precise input and charge current monitoring. It operates over a wide input and output voltage range of 3V to 60V and is compatible with various differential input voltage sources, battery stacks, and batteries.

The MPPC circuit of the LTC4000-1 supports an input voltage regulation loop that controls the charging current to maintain a set input voltage, making it ideal for solar panels or other high-impedance sources. Applications include high-power battery charging systems, high-performance portable devices, battery backup systems, and industrial or military battery-powered devices.

The LTC4000-1 features an intelligent PowerPath™ topology that prioritizes power delivery to system loads when input power is limited. Through external PFET control, the LTC4000-1 provides low-loss reverse current protection, efficient battery charging/discharging, and instant-on operation capabilities that allow system power to be utilized when a dead or severely discharged battery is plugged in. External sense resistors and precision sensing ensure high-efficiency, precise current, enabling operation with converters ranging from milliwatts to kilowatts.

The LTC4000-1's full-performance controller charges a variety of chemistry batteries, including lithium-ion, polymer, and phosphate, sealed lead acid (SLA), and nickel-based batteries. Additionally, the device provides a charge status indicator via its own FLT and CHRG pins. Other features include a programmable float voltage of ±0.2%, selectable timer or C/X charge current termination, temperature-compliant charging using NTC thermistors, automatic recharging, C/10 trickle charge for severely discharged cells, and faulty battery detection.

The LTC4000-1 is mounted in low-profile (0.75mm) 28-pin 4mm x 5mm QFN packages and 28-pin SSOP packages. The device is guaranteed to operate over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. The product is priced starting at $3.95 per unit for 1,000 units. For detailed information, please refer to www.linear.com/product/LTC4000-1 .

Photo Caption: High-power MPPC charging controller interface compatible with any switching regulator

Product Features: LTC4000-1

• Maximum Power Control: Compatible with solar panel input
• Wide input & output voltage range: 3V ~ 60V
• Input ideal diode for low-loss reverse blocking & load sharing
• Output Ideal Diode for Low-Loss PowerPath™ & Battery and Load Sharing
• Instant-on operation of a severely discharged battery
• Programmable charging current: ±1% accuracy
• Precision Input & Charging Current Monitor
• Accurate programmable float voltage: ±0.2% indoors & ±1% within temperature range
• Programmable C/X or timer-based charge termination
• NTC input for temperature-compliant charging
• 28-pin 4mm × 5mm QFN or SSOP package